June 1, 2026
— Tarleton Perry Crawford · Source: The Evolution of My Missionary Perspective: The Growth of Evangelistic Missionary Principles in My Mind
John 10:12-13 The hired man was not a shepherd, nor did he own the sheep. When he saw the wolf coming, he abandoned the sheep and fled. So the wolf seized the sheep and scattered them. This was because the man was hired and had no regard for the sheep.
Missionary John Paul Gottlieb spent half his life proving that money can buy labor, but it cannot buy the love of "laying down one's life for the sheep." When missionary work degenerates into an employment relationship, and preachers become mere institutional employees, the "wolf coming and running away" prophesied by Jesus becomes inevitable. Because in the account of an employee, wages can never offset the risk to one's life. Today, we face the same temptation of an "employee mentality." When ministry is no longer comfortable, when trials and persecutions come, will we withdraw calculating gains and losses, or will we choose to persevere because of the bond of Christ's precious blood? Only by dismantling the breeding ground of worldly interests and returning to the path of the cross—guided by the Holy Spirit and based on local self-reliance—can the church cultivate a truly self-reliant and strong spiritual life amidst the storms of life, resisting the wolves.
Our Father in Heaven: Thank You for awakening our dormant conscience through the blood and tears of our forefathers. Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd who lays down your life for the sheep. Forgive us the employee mentality that often arises in our lives, forgive our selfishness in calculating personal gain in ministry and seeking comfort while following You. Refine us like fire, burning away the impurities of worldly resources, and dismantling the falsehood that we use worldly conveniences to obscure our cross. Grant us the true heart of a shepherd, so that the church today may learn to stand firm through trials and tribulations, willingly and joyfully offering our holy work with self-sacrificing dedication. When trials come, may we steadfastly remain in our posts through You, practicing the pure gospel with our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.